26 May 2016

With Dejan Lovren's improved form, and the impending arrival of Joel Matip, Reds veteran Martin Skrtel has fight on his hands for a regular first-team place next season, and according to his Agent, the 'outstanding' Slovakian will almost certainly leave Anfield this summer.

Besiktas have reportedly made an official offer for Skrtel, and according to agent Mithat Halis:

“Besiktas want Skrtel. Turkish sides have been trying to sign him for five seasons".

When asked this week about Skrtel's future, his agent, Karol Csonto, told ESPN:

* Next season, the Reds face a reduced fixture schedule, and with only 40-45 games across the whole season (including domestic cups) the team cannot support four senior international centre-backs.

* Stability is the key to defensive solidity, and constantly rotating defenders is not conducive to achieving this. As such, Jurgen Klopp will probably stick with his core defensive partnership (especially in the league), and that means frustration for those not in the team.

On the other hand, there's no guarantee that Joel Matip will hit the ground running, and selling him without bringing in a replacement is madness. Skrtel has the experience and the ability to pick up the slack, but I doubt he'll be interested in permanent back-up status.

Skrtel is one of the few Liverpool players who plays with fire and passion, if he leaves, that aspect of his game will need to be replaced.